READINGTON — The Township Committee on Monday night withdrew its proposed $22 million bond ordinance to buy Solberg-Hunterdon Airport, saying it would instead negotiate with the Solberg family over the airport's future.

At the outset of the public hearing, Mayor Frank Gatti requested the committee withdraw the ordinance from consideration. The meeting was a continuation of the Aug. 15 public hearing at which hundreds of residents packed the municipal building beyond capacity, forcing an early end to the evening.

Gatti said his recommendation was the result of a meeting he had Saturday with the Solberg family. He said the meeting, as well as comments from the community he had received in regard to the ordinance's introduction, led him to believe that withdrawing the ordinance would be in the township's best interest.

Residents and the Solberg family were still able to comment on the matter, however.

"We want to continue running what our father started over 60 years ago," said Thor Solberg, who co-owns the airport along with sisters Lorraine Solberg and Suzanne Solberg-Nagle. "Tonight's resolution is a win for the taxpayers and open-space preservation."

Solberg also attempted to put to rest claims that his family intends to eventually develop the 730-acre airport property on Thor Solberg Road.

"We are determined to make sure that no development occurs," he said.

But some residents remained unconvinced.

"The Solbergs give no assurances as to how long the airport will remain in their hands," resident Mike Talias said.

Although residents' opinions about the airport's future varied, most at Monday's meeting expressed appreciation for the Township Committee's decision to withdraw the ordinance and negotiate instead with the Solbergs.

"I know some of us are concerned about possible jet traffic," said resident Peter Hollis, who urged the committee to consider both sides of the issue during negotiations. "Nobody is here to deny the Solbergs everything they deserve, but the Solbergs do not deserve everything they want. Please do your job to represent all the residents."

from the Courier News website www.c-n.com
Copyright © 1997-2005 Courier News.

Date: August 23, 2005 Source: from the Courier News website www.c-n.com
URL: http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050823/NEWS01/508230324/1006